2020 Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia, fr RM190k

2020 Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia, fr RM190k

The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata has finally been launched in Malaysia. Just one variant is on offer this time, that being the 2.5 Premium. It’s fully imported from South Korea and retails for RM206,888 (with full 100% SST). However, the first 50 units will be sold at an introductory price of RM189,888 (with 50% SST).

Design-wise, the new Sonata is the first car that is based on Hyundai’s Sensuous Purity design language. Features include a large Cascading Grille, integrated air curtains on the edges of the front bumper, automatic full LED headlights, as well as LED DRLs that “soften” along the chrome strip on the bonnet. When the DRLs are turned off, the strips appear as chrome, and this is achieved via laser-etched perforations.

At the back, it gets full LED tail lights with a continuous LED strip along the boot, integrated fins atop the LED lights, roof-mounted third brake light, an integrated ducktail spoiler, the Sonata script, plus an integrated diffuser. Also on are 18-inch multispoke dual-tone alloy wheels (wrapped with 235/45 Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres), a subtle front lip, and side skirts.

2020 Hyundai Sonata launched in Malaysia, fr RM190k

There are six available colours, which include White Cream, Shimmering Silver, Nocturne Grey (pictured here), Oxford Blue, Midnight Black and Flame Red. Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) is also offering three interior colour schemes, but these depend on the exterior colour choice.

White Cream, Nocturne Grey and Midnight Black will get the Camel two-tone interior theme that you see in these pictures, whereas the Shimmering Silver comes with the Greige (a colour between beige and grey) two-tone cabin with white leather seat upholstery. For those who want the usual all-black affair, you’ll have to settle for Oxford Blue or Flame Red.

Inside, the Sonata gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display projected onto the windscreen, an eight-inch Display Audio touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, automatic dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, and a four-button shift-by-wire gear selector. There’s also a Qi wireless charging pad with cooling function.

A drive mode switch is standard, letting you choose between Smart, Comfort, Eco and Sport modes. Other features include a large panoramic glass roof, electrochromic rear view mirror, eight-way powered driver’s seat with two-way lumbar adjustment and memory function, four-way powered front passenger seat, and rear air vents. There are two USB ports up front and one at the back.

In terms of dimensions, the Sonata is arguably the biggest car in its class, measuring 4,900 mm in length, 1,860 mm wide, 1,445 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. Boot space is 510 litres (no powered boot), and the rear bench folds in a 60:40 split configuration. There is also no spare tyre, just a tyre repair kit.

For powertrain, the Korean D-segment sedan is powered by a 2.5 litre Smartstream petrol engine. It’s a four-cylinder MPI unit making 180 PS and 232 Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission (with shift paddles). There is a GDI direct-injection version of this engine that’s sold in other markets, offering 193 PS and 245 Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed auto. It’s not available in Malaysia due to fuel quality concerns, we’re told.

On the safety side of things, it gets six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management. Unfortunately, the Sonata doesn’t come with the Hyundai SmartSense suite of advanced driver assist systems, so it misses out on autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (there’s passive cruise control, though), lane departure warning or lane keep assist.

There is, however, a 360-degree surround view camera, as well as a blind spot view monitor. The latter uses the two side cameras (each with a 50-degree wide-view lens) to project a video feed onto the instrument panel when using the turn signals. This is like Honda LaneWatch, except better.

Again, pricing for the first 50 units of the Sonata is RM190k. Each purchase comes with a five-year or 300,000 km warranty coverage. You may browse CarBase.my for a more detailed look at the new Sonata’s specifications. You can also compare it against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, and more. So, what do you think of the Sonata? Sound off, below.

GALLERY: Hyundai Sonata official press photos

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • romance on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    (Like) Sonata
    (Dislike) Accord

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 130 Thumb down 26
    • YB Albert on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:02 pm

      The first 50 units early bird discount is about Rm17000.The unlucky 51st buyer will fork out RM17k more.Can u imagine the obscene amount of gross profits Sime darby makes?
      Hyundai is among the top 15 car manufacturers in the world.If the package in terms of quality,after sales service and pricing is properly done,I cant see why Hyundai Malaysia is not doing well.Same goes for half brother Kia,which is doing poorly under the naza group.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 1
      • Hyundaijoke on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:10 pm

        There will never be a 51st buyer. Heck they will struggle to sell even 5 .

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 44 Thumb down 138
        • XHubby on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm

          Aston Martin wannabe.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 25
          • Wen Xiang on Oct 31, 2020 at 1:03 am

            But Tbh, Hyundai is getting better for looks

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 0
          • Aura89 on Oct 31, 2020 at 6:29 pm

            Looks don’t buy you reliability, the key failures of Korean cars.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
        • Totally agree…hahaha

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 23
        • yawnz on Oct 31, 2020 at 2:19 am

          Wow on top the Jap fanboys we now have Kimchi fanboys. Look at the amount of repeated dislike for comments such as these. They just can’t accept the truth.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 14
      • But at least Hyundai Malaysia are gradually improving. Also believe that when Bermaz Kia takes over Naza Kia, believe that they will also slowly improving too.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 0
      • Celup King on Oct 30, 2020 at 6:40 pm

        The problem with Hyundai brand is bad car quality, poor fire safety, slow poke replacement parts which is uber expensip anyways, and they don’t care to educate the local technicians here on their car umpteen problems which goes back to bad car quality.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 49
        • autodriver (Member) on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:02 am

          I guarantee you didn’t owned a Korean car before condemning. Nowadays Korean produce high quality cars and the problems are far lesser than many Japanese rivals. I won’t say it is better than Toyota but rest assure the rest of the Japanese car brands are unable to beat Hyundai. I own a Korean cars with mileage more than 250k km but it still running strong. I can’t deny the part replacement of Hyundai or Kia taking freaking long time and also their technician is not as skillful as we thought. But build quality is good is undeniable.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
          • WEE TIONG WOO on Nov 07, 2020 at 3:48 pm

            Absolutely True.. I own 2 hyundai cars.( sonata & Avante) 13 years & 10 years respectively. Very reliable and more reliable than all japanese cars except toyota.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
      • Dong gor on Oct 30, 2020 at 7:01 pm

        Well if they can sell 50 of this! My money is on the table, let’s check the sales number publish by PT

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Civic Turbo 2018 on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      Both also no people buy… D-seg is dying

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 16
    • This CBU price is acceptable to me ( including M6 & Camry ), but i still don’t understand why accord assemble in Alor Gajah Melaka is selling at rm195?!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 1
      • autodriver (Member) on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:19 am

        Honda is CKD and they suppose able to price down. Look at Civic the price is super competitive among C segment. Btw the reason why it sell this expensive is because the high production cost due to low demand on D segment car. To setup A CKD assembly line is talking about tens of millions, if sales not justify the car maker surely need to hike up the price to cover the cost. That’s why most Camry and Mazda 6 rather CBU though it is expensive but it is trade off set up a CKD line in Malaysia. Civic able to sell cheap because the demand is so high and the production cost is justified.

        Then why Passat can setup CKD line in Msia and yet the price is competitive among D segment although it is not high demand. It is because currency advantages compare to Honda and Toyota which CBU or CKD parts are from Thailand. In the past 10 years exchange rate of Thai Baht rose nearly 30% while Euro is only 6% increase compared to Ringgit. That’s why BMW, Merc and VW car can aseemble in Msia as the components mostly from European countries and the exchange rate is relatively stable. It makes sense to setup CKD plant in Msia to save cost compare to import as CBU which high tariff charged.

        If Thai Baht keep going up in the next 10 years the Accord and Camry will be more expensive than C200 or 320i.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • autodriver (Member) on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:29 am

        Example, Civic sold 500 units a month while Accord is less than 50 units. The cost of production/assembly of Accord will be much higher as it unable to achieve economies of scale to lower down the cost. To trade off Honda force to sell Accord in higher price or otherwise they should learn from Toyota just bring in CBU Accord to Msia. I guess if Accord demand is keep going low Honda may consider to change to CBU.

        Why Jazz demand so low but still can CKD, it is because Jazz can use City assembly line since they share many similarity except one is sedan and another is hatchback. It only involve little different setup. Just like VW Vento and Polo is using same assembly line but in certain stages are slightly different.

        Of course there is model Honda make loss or very little margin such as BRV which is extremely poor sales among all models.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • I would really like to speak with the person who orders one of these, truly unique individual.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 50 Thumb down 2
    • Jon Bon Jovee on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      He or she is korean movie die hard fan

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
    • I strongly believe that even the Samsung Malaysia ceo will salute to those who buy it

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • hideous hyundai on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Catfish front end. Ugly steering wheel. Copycat Civic rear end. Trying too hard and it doesn’t work. Car will look very outdated even before the warranty expires.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 67
    • So only to you right? Accord also look very outdated than this.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 46 Thumb down 11
    • autodriver (Member) on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      Accord rear design looks dated even before the warranty started. The staple shape rear lamp is God know person design, he must be doing a lot of stapling paper admin job before switching to become Honda car designer.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 5
  • Chris10 on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    RM190k for a Sonata, good luck and all the best!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 36
  • azrai on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:37 pm

    DOA Dead on arrival.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 53
  • Bolster on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    looks too aggressive. At least Korean design did better than any japanese design like Honda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 11
  • LIKE: Sonata, Camry, Borui
    DISLIKE: Accord

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 37 Thumb down 16
  • Acceleration on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    If not mistaken, this car with 2.5 MPi Smartstream runs around 9 seconds probably

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 3
  • Brandon on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:51 pm

    Civic look a bit but looks better than Prawn Accord

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 5
  • Ex VGM staff on Oct 30, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    When. Someone trying to sell satay at rm11.20 per piece @ cucuk.. Saying that it has larger portion and delicious as well.. Makes us wonder.. Do they really want to sell or not?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 0
  • TagHeuer on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    I hope this will become CKD and additional of ADAS. This will be even more appetite to all buyers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 3
  • So when bringing both new Elantra and Tucson

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
  • autodriver (Member) on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    “It’s not available in Malaysia due to fuel quality concerns, we’re told”. This is absolutely bullshxt from Hyundai saying Msia fuel quality is bad. Yes, we used to have low quality Euro 2 previously but nowadays all petrol stations in Malaysia are offering Euro 4. Mazda GDI compression ratio is identical like the Hyundai 2.5 GDI at 13:1. Why Mazda can do it but Hyundai can’t? Meam Hyundai tech is not comparable with Mazda. 2.5MPI and 6 speed AT is just similar tech as in Camry 2.5 but Camry is selling slightly cheaper with better safety features.

    The similar safety feature is Passat Elegance but VW comes with turbochaeged with DSG which is far superior than this new Sonata while the pre reg new car is selling only RM 160k, almost 30k cheaper. Both Sonata and Passat are low resale value, so why should one consider to buy Sonata.

    New Sonata is nicely designed (it is subject) but other than that nothing to shout about. With this price good luck to Hyundai.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 15
    • Copy and Paste II on Oct 30, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      Copy and Paste II: “ Due to CBU. But don’t why Accord sell at RM195K with CKD”

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
      • autodriver (Member) on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:44 pm

        Currency and economies of scale which cause Accord can’t sell cheap. Refer to above comment I have explained the truth. If still can’t accept the fact then work harder earn more to buy. Complain won’t make our life better.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Will even be rarer that the camry and accord

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 22
  • Bob Mala on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    There is a GDI direct-injection version of this engine that’s sold in other markets, offering 193 PS and 245 Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed auto. It’s not available in Malaysia due to fuel quality concerns, we’re told.

    I dont understand why GDI is now all of a sudden not introduced in Malaysia due to fuel concern?? Sime Darby did you not introduce TGDI engines for Hyundai Tucson & Elantra?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 9
  • Sonata handsome

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3
  • honestly i think not even one sonata will be sold unless discount 30%.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 15
  • Young HS on Oct 30, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    Great

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • This car is dead on arrival. It is so expensive and it does not even come with Auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control lane departure warning or lane keep assist. These are becoming a MUST in Malaysia. Hyundai can’t keep up with what the buyers want.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 23
  • I am buying silver color

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Oct 30, 2020 at 5:41 pm

    Ouch CBU price but can see this being sold to Korean people and companies in Malaysia regardless of the price. I doubt CKD plans will help sell more too since the used car dealers are still chopping the price like no tomorrow when u want to sell it off.

    Also, what’s with that hole next to the parking brake??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 6
  • The new Kia Optima much better looking

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
    • Green Dog on Oct 30, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      Both Kia Optima and this look much better looking and nice

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • David on Oct 30, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    190k for Kimchi brand. No thank you

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 23
    • Due to CBU. But don’t why Accord sell at RM195K with CKD

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 0
    • Kimchi beaten by sushi on Oct 31, 2020 at 9:28 am

      So many Kimchi salesmen giving you thumb down. No worry. They will get zero sales anyway.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
      • You mean so many honda fanboys posting negative comments for proton, including other brands too, but in the end, it is opposite way and proton and other brands will able to sell well

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • powerbank on Oct 30, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Hyundai all the way

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • It is going to be fun for driving this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • very nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Oct 30, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    even the first 50 gotta fork out RM190K is not worth it for this car’s badge. anytime a honda accord is a better buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 14
  • Hopefully its not the only 50 ever sold here..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Merchant on Oct 30, 2020 at 8:52 pm

      Once sonata comes with locally assembled, Accord sales can bungkus

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Zoom zoom on Oct 30, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    This sonata will be as rare as the current elantra facelift. Without the advance safety and more expensive than the Camry/Accord full specs with Toyota Safety Sense suite/Honda Sensing suite. This sonata can only sell if is about 160-170k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 10
  • madmoz on Oct 30, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    So so smexy… but eh, why button gear shifters :( Tak suka d.

    If we’re gonna move away from the auto PRND stick, I’d take the Mercedes’ stalk any day. Took a while to get used to that one but makes sense since one can still use it without taking your eyes off the road, unlike push buttons.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
  • Blank button on the keyfob !? ….dat sucks….., neway , previously Mazda 6 2.5 was CBU all d way from japan , and it has full active safety suite …..similar pricing too when first introduced……

    Anyway, not digging the styling, but thats subjective.

    All d best to hyundai tho

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • Contender on Oct 30, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    wow nowadays so called D segment Camry Accord and now Sonata pricing is going above 200k …. because of our shrinking currency/purchasing power ?? The rear looks like S90 Volvo ….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • yawnz on Oct 31, 2020 at 2:25 am

      Not really. New City just launched is priced about the same as before. New Kona prices not too far from HRV. New Vios & Yaris too not much change. Civic facelifted last year also not too different prices. Only Dsegment Accord, Camry and now Sonata shoot up for no good reason. Makes getting the Perdana a far better deal.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • No name on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:09 am

    Honda, volvo, now Hyundai.. Don’t they all love crabs design… What an ugly rear.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • GDi not available due to fuel quality concern? Sime darby PR think the engine need rocket fuel is it? Even Ron 95 are euro 4M now, still use this as excuse?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • S-VPAM on Oct 31, 2020 at 12:54 am

    I love it! Stylish and superior

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Jordan on Oct 31, 2020 at 1:16 am

    Sonata still looks light years better in and out too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Sport sedan

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Eucalyptus on Oct 31, 2020 at 8:56 am

    Design different looking makes more interesting.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • The Rock on Oct 31, 2020 at 9:36 am

    Let’s Rock

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Maxis on Oct 31, 2020 at 9:38 am

    Hopefully will bring ckd anytime. We were interested looking at this with more variants. Also hope that will come with AEB

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Henson on Oct 31, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Cool

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Shazwin on Oct 31, 2020 at 9:50 am

    This looks more better than bored accord

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Good car. Should also bring smartsense technologies too

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • kopi o kao kao on Nov 01, 2020 at 12:15 am

    Secondhand value to kimchi car is worse than local brand…top up a little bit can get entry merc….whoever buy this either not using his own money or otak tak ada akal :p

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Monana on Dec 04, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    No ACC, AEB, no talk! Come on, this car, with the ACC (and other features related) is among the top models recommended for OpenPilot below Toyotas. Its a shame we dont get the features.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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